Deciphering whether a product like Hubba Bubba is vegan can feel like an uphill battle.
This difficulty often stems from manufacturers concealing the true nature and origins of their ingredients.
Don’t worry though, this article aims to uncover the truth and support you in your dedication to a compassionate vegan lifestyle.
Is Hubba Bubba Vegan?
Sadly, Hubba Bubba bubble gum is not universally vegan. Whether you’re comfortable chewing Hubba Bubba depends on how strict of a vegan you are. For those following a strict vegan diet, this gum is not safe for consumption.
This is largely due to the ambiguity surrounding the ingredients.
For example, natural and artificial flavors may sound innocent, they can often contain animal derived ingredients that don’t align with a vegan lifestyle.
In-depth research reveals that Hubba Bubba’s variety of flavors such as Sour Blue Raspberry, Original Bubble Gum, Strawberry Watermelon, Strawberry Crush, and Tangy Tropical could potentially contain non-vegan ingredients. This is due to the elusive term “artificial flavors” which can often hide non-vegan ingredients.
Gum base, as well, often contains lanolin, which is derived from sheep’s wool. This ingredient does not have to be disclosed on labels, for some reason, so unless a gum brand claims to be vegan on the packaging, the gum base probably includes lanolin.
Additionally, a few other ingredients may also be questionable. The sugar in Hubba Bubba may be processed with bone char, the ground-up bones of animals. Glycerol, also commonly known as glycerin, can be sourced from plants or animals, and the source of the glycerol in Hubba Bubba is unknown. Furthermore, some flavors of Hubba Bubba gum contain gelatin.
If you’re looking for a vegan bubble gum brand, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Is Hubba Bubba Cruelty-Free?
No, Hubba Bubba gum is not cruelty-free. It contains food coloring, which is routinely tested on animals.
What Is Hubba Bubba Made Of?
Here’s a closer look at what’s actually inside a piece of Hubba Bubba bubble gum:
- Sugar
- Gum base
- Corn syrup
- Glycerol
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Soy lecithin
- Colors (including red 40, yellow 5)
Sugar
Sugar is a sweetening agent derived from sugar beets or sugar cane. While sugar itself is plant based, the refining process sometimes uses bone char, an animal-derived product, rendering it non-vegan.
Gum Base
Gum base is the non-nutritive part of the gum that gives it its chewiness. The exact composition can vary, but it can contain lanolin, a waxy substance secreted by wool-bearing animals, making it non-vegan.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a sweetener derived from cornstarch, making it a plant-based and vegan-friendly ingredient.
Glycerol
Glycerol is a compound that can be either animal or plant derived. In food products, it’s often derived from plants, but we can’t be sure without explicit confirmation from the manufacturer.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
As stated before, the term “natural and artificial flavors” is ambiguous. It can potentially encompass animal-derived ingredients, casting a shadow of doubt on Hubba Bubba’s vegan status.
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is a by-product of the soybean oil production process. It’s entirely plant based and thus, vegan friendly.
Colors (Including Red 40, Yellow 5)
Artificial colors are often synthesized from petroleum, which makes them technically vegan. However, they’re also controversial due to potential animal testing issues.
Vegan Alternatives to Hubba Bubba
If you’re seeking vegan-friendly chewing gum, there are alternatives that align with your dietary restrictions and values. Here are a few suggestions:
- Simply Gum: Made from natural ingredients and free of artificial flavors.
- Glee Gum: A natural chewing gum that’s also non-GMO, and gluten-free.
- Chewsy: A 100% natural and sugar-free vegan gum.
Conclusion
While the beloved Hubba Bubba bubble gum brand has a special place in many of our childhood memories, its status as a vegan or cruelty-free product is unclear.
The presence of ambiguous ingredients such as natural and artificial flavors and gum base can potentially contain animal-derived components. Therefore, for those committed to a vegan lifestyle, opting for a clear-cut vegan-friendly gum may be the safest bet.
Always remember, being a conscientious consumer is a huge step towards a more compassionate world. Your commitment is truly making a difference, one chew at a time.